Boro and their fans have been asked to rally round and help neighbours Darlington in their hour of need.

The Darlington Supporters Trust has asked Middlesbrough for permission to hold bucket collections before forthcoming matches at the Riverside.

The Trust is attempting to raise £250,000 before the end of March to help keep the 121-year-old club, which is in administration, afloat.

Peter Ashmore, of the Trust, said: "We're appealing to the Boro fans for any help they can give.

"We have always had a good relationship with Boro, and they helped us out by hosting out FA Cup game with Burnley a few seasons ago.

"I know that many Boro fans consider Darlington to be their second team, and any help they can give would be hugely appreciated."

Any Boro fans who wish to publicise fund-raising events for Darlington can contact the Gazette sportsdesk.

Meanwhile, the Trust hopes to obtain a Real Madrid shirt signed by David Beckham to auction in the coming weeks.

Fund-raising activities have even been launched by ex-Darlingtonians now living in America.

Over 2,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's fundraiser at the Reynolds Arena, where a host of star names will turn out.

The money from that will go direct to the club to keep it afloat until a buyer can be found.

* HARTLEPOOL boss Neale Cooper has hinted he may be about to trim his squad after agreeing new deals for three of his players.

Cooper yesterday tied down inspirational midfielder Gavin Strachan - who arrived in the summer on a one-year deal - to a longer contract.

Australian striker Joel Porter and Greek goalkeeper Dimitrious Konstantopoulos have also agreed deals to remain at Victoria Park until the end of the season.

With the future of three more of his players now secured, Cooper could be about to let some of his squad players leave the club.

Defender Paul Arnison is currently on loan at Third Division Carlisle and the Cumbrians are understood to be keen on making his move permanent.

Welsh striker Jermaine Easter and Guisborough-born left-back Mark Robinson are with UniBond Premier League side Spennymoor Utd, while striker Adam Boyd - who has just returned from a loan spell at Boston overweight - is wanted by the Lincolnshire side.

"We will look at that situation over the next week or so," Cooper said today.

"We have a few players out on loan and will see what's what.

"But it was important for us to get players like Gavin and Joel on longer contracts.

"They have come in and done very well and deserve to be rewarded for the hard work they have put in this season."

Midfielder Strachan has been one of Cooper's best signings, making a name for himself as a dead-ball specialist while Aussie hitman Porter has struck up an understanding with strike partner Eifion Williams, weighing in with two goals - including the winner against Burton Albion in the FA Cup Second Round.